CRAWFORD | Sophomore Akoy Agau to transfer from Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Sophomore forward Akoy Agau has left the University of Louisville basketball team and plans to transfer.

Agau, a 6-8 forward from Omaha, Neb., underwent sports hernia surgery in July and was sidelined for about 10 weeks before the start of practice this season, struggling to get back up to speed.

"This has been a great opportunity for me," Agau said in a statement released by U of L. "I want to thank Coach (Rick) Pitino and the entire staff. I learned a lot in the two years I have been here and built a great connection with everyone. Everyone in this program is part of my family and it is sad to leave, but this is the best decision for me. I'm always going to be a part of the Louisville family."

Pitino said Agau is leaving primarily in search of playing time. He had played just 11 total minutes in three games for the Cardinals this season, and hand't scored. He totaled one rebound and one turnover on the season, and missed his only shot — a three-pointer.

"I sat down with Akoy and we agreed that it is in the best interest for his future to transfer to another university where playing time will be more readily available," Pitino said. "I'm very fond of Akoy as a person. He exemplifies all that we want in a Louisville man. We wish him nothing but good fortune going forward and will always consider him a part of this program."

As a freshman, Agau played in 19 games and made seven shots in nine attempts, averaging 0.9 points and 1.1 rebounds per game.

A biology major, Agau is originally from Sudan, Africa and moved to Cairo, Egypt as a child before coming to the United States in 2002. Copyright 2014 WDRB News. All Rights Reserved.